If you need to demolish a building or part of a building (greater than 1750 cubic feet) you must apply for a demolition notice six weeks before you start the work. It's free to apply.
You must:
- support any other buildings that may be affected by the demolition
- weatherproof any surfaces of adjacent buildings that are exposed by the demolition
- repair any damage to other buildings caused by the demolition
- remove material or rubbish resulting from the demolition
- disconnect and seal any points (for example, sewers or drains) in or under the building
- repair any ground disturbed by the demolition
- disconnect the gas, electricity and water supply to the building
- inform companies and agencies with legal rights to the building
- inform any neighbours that might be affected by the demolition
- check for planning permission, especially if the building you want to demolish is a listed building or in a conservation area
Asbestos
If you're working with asbestos you must:
- remove any asbestos cement before the building is demolished (where possible)
- avoid breaking any sheets of asbestos (where possible)
- keep the asbestos material wet at all times
- lower any asbestos material onto a clean hard surface (where possible)
- remove waste and debris from site as soon as possible to prevent crushing
- dispose of the waste and debris safely
- never bulldoze broken asbestos cement sheet into piles
- never dry sweep asbestos cement debris
- give adequate information on the hazards and risks
- be trained in the correct safe working practices (including using appropriate protective clothing and respiratory equipment)
Asbestos is a hazardous waste so can only be disposed:
- at a licensed recycling centre or
- by using a licensed asbestos removal service.